Hmmm...interesting side thread, but I still have some thoughts either way. I probably will never be faced with the dilemma, but if I was, I still think I would probably sell the chips in question one at a time (as I would sell any chips I have to sell). I don't think I would necessarily "owe" it to anyone to tell them up front how many chips I "found". Not sure, but why would this be necessary?

I would probably post on this board if asked...and probably would tell anyone that asked, unless they seemed like an jerk when they asked. I might still tell them anyway, but I reserve the right to decide on the spur of the moment *LOL*

I guess this stems from the way I myself purchase chips (and I have yet to sell even one, as I simply just buy for my personal collection, not for resale value). I pay whatever I need to pay to get a chip for my collection. Of course, weighing each purchase price against the "want" factor.

Let me use an example from a parallel world ;)

I restore classic cars. Currently I have and am in the constant process of restoring a 1967 Mercury Cougar. The '67 Cougar is the only year in the line that has a particular quarter panel emblem. For years and years, because of the limited production of this year of the car, that unique quarter panel emblem, when it could be found in NOS condition, commanded prices of around $350 for each side...yep...$700 plus for a pair. Simple supply and demand. I have a couple extra New Old Stock emblems. I have held on to them for many reasons, but recently someone began reproducing them. Wow. Now they can be had in condition that could not be discerned from an original NOS part. For $125 a side. Did I demand to know how many of the reproduction parts were made? Nope. Did I expect the vendors to make a complete and "ethical" disclosure of how many they were going to produce? Nope. I just thought "damn, I should have sold mine a month ago." Do I think the new reproduction producers were unethical? Nope. Supply and demand, my friend. Supply and demand. Now, do I feel compelled (were I to sell my NOS parts) to disclose to any potential buyers that the emblems can be had for $125 a side, so not to bid any more than that on my listings? Nope. Why would I do that? I would expect them to do the homework before bidding. Same as with any other commodity available in the marketplace. Would I feel guilty if someone paid me $250 a side? Nope.

I feel that anyone selling anything is allowed to make a profit of thier choosing on that thing. You won't find a vendor of ANYTHING out there listing competitor's prices, or saying "there are 6500 of these widgets out there, so be careful you don't pay too much for mine."

Again, Probably my biggest thought-forming issue on this subject is that as a buyer of anything, I make a determination of the value of the thing to me, and make a determination of what I am willing to pay on that value.

I don't expect someone to tell me that I am trying to pay too much for it. I know they are trying to make as much profit as they can.

Do I get pissed if I find that I could have purchased my emblem for $100 less than I paid? Youbetcha. But it's just sour grapes on my part at that point.

Probably there is more to the chip aspect than I have thought about in making this response. It is entirely possible that my mind will be changed by other points of view posted. But not so far.

I don't think a seller necessarily has any ethical responsibility to make a buyer aware of the relative value of any item they might choose to sell.

Would I like it if they did? Sure!!!! Do I think they are ethically bound to do so?

Nope.